home > Pastor’s Desk > 2020 > May > THE TRAGEDY OF KING HEZEKIAH’S LAST FIFTEEN YEARS

THE TRAGEDY OF KING HEZEKIAH’S LAST FIFTEEN YEARS

The world empire of Assyria had recently conquered Israel to the north of Judah. Many Israelites had been slaughtered and many more had been deported into exile to Assyria. Now the Assyrians were making the intentions known to the Kingdom of Judah, where Hezekiah, the descendent of King David now reigned. The mighty Assyrian Emperor sent his emissary to Jerusalem to invite them to surrender too before being slaughtered if they refused—they even put it in writing!

2Kings 19:1 ¶ As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the LORD.

The LORD heard King Hezekiah’s prayer and sent the Prophet Isaiah to him.

2Kings 19:32 ¶ “Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria: He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it.

ISAIAH’S PROPHETIC WORD DRAMATICALLY FULFILLED!

2Kings 19:35 ¶ And that night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.

King Hezekiah’s had just experienced one of the most miraculous acts of deliverance in Israel’s history! To top it off, when Emperor Sennacherib returned he suffered a humiliating death.

Then Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went home and lived at Nineveh. And as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, struck him down with the sword and escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.
Second Kings 19:36-37

How did King Hezekiah respond after experiencing such a dramatic answer to his prayers and witnessing an extraordinary act of miraculous deliverance? We can only surmise. But if history is anything to go by, then Hezekiah may have responded over time in the way that most such recipients have responded. History almost universally reveals that a person’s spiritual state is inversely proportional to their level of material success and popular acclaim. I cite two examples who immediately support my point: King Solomon, and, Jesus of Nazareth. Perhaps it was God’s grace then that Lord announced to Hezekiah that he was about to die soon.

2Kings 20:1 ¶ In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.’”

What happened next is one of the most powerful examples of what worship truly is. We see positive examples of a worshipful response to God’s voice in such godly people as Mary, the mother of Jesus.

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:38

But Hezekiah’s response stands as a biblical warning to all those who seek to be true worshipers of God. His response indicates that there was a growing amount of undetected arrogance in his heart. We some of this same kind of arrogance in Samson who had also become used to experiencing God’s deliverance of him. In his arrogance he ignored God’s Law and pursued the satisfaction of his sensual desires. When he had all but abandoned God and his pledge of obedience to Him, he arrogantly continued to assume that God would continue to deliver him from his enemies.

And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him.
Judges 16:20

The Lord heard King Hezekiah’s prayer and once again sent the beloved prophet Isaiah to him. “Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD” (2Kings 20:5).

2Kings 20:6 and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David’s sake.”

After the Lord answered King Hezekiah’s prayer, Hezekiah and Judah entered into a time of blessing and peace. But, Ezra tells us in the parallel account in Second Chronicles, that the previously undetected pride in Hezekiah’s heart went unchecked after the Lord answered his prayer to be healed and have his life extended.

But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem.
Second Chronicles 32:25

And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart. -Second Chronicles 32:31 ¶ And Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made for himself treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for shields, and for all kinds of costly vessels; storehouses also for the yield of grain, wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of cattle, and sheepfolds. He likewise provided cities for himself, and flocks and herds in abundance, for God had given him very great possessions. And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.
Second Chronicles 32:27-31

NOT EVEN REPENTANCE UNDOES CONSEQUENCES

Repentance leads to forgiveness but it rarely undoes the resultant consequences of a person’s sin. The sins of Hezekiah’s last fifteen years had a disastrous impact on Judah. The tragic depths of his spiritual decline are seen in his boastful hospitality toward the Babylonian emissaries who visited him on behalf of their king to supposedly wish him a speedy recovery. Rather than see the obvious threat this made to national security, King Hezekiah—in almost ‘Samsonesque’ arrogance—actually showed them the national and royal treasures, and where they could be found!

2Kings 20:13 And Hezekiah welcomed them, and he showed them all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them.

The damage that the final 15 years of King Hezekiah’s life and reign did to the destiny of Judah was staggering!

Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?” And Hezekiah said, “They have come from a far country, from Babylon.” He said, “What have they seen in your house?” And Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.” ¶ Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the LORD: Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the LORD. And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
Second Kings 20:14-18

Bizarrely, when the prophet Isaiah revealed to King Hezekiah the damage that would unfold because of the King’s foolishness, Hezekiah responded, ““The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days?”” His complete lack of concern for his unholy legacy and the destiny of his descendants is bewildering. When a child of God is indifferent to the consequences of their choices on successive generations, or when their lack of action in taking steps to prevent evil in society, it is a pathetic sight. (This is why we in Tasmania need every believer to care about the future of our State and why we need to take the necessary steps to withstand evil in our society —especially when it is smuggled into culture through the halls of Parliament!)

2Kings 20:19 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days?”

THE DAMAGE FROM KING HEZEKIAH’S LAST 15 YEARS

But they did not listen, and Manasseh led them astray to do more evil than the nations had done whom the LORD destroyed before the people of Israel. “Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done things more evil than all that the Amorites did, who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols … ¶ Moreover, Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, besides the sin that he made Judah to sin so that they did what was evil in the sight of the LORD.
Second Kings 21:9, 11, 16

“Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done things more evil than all that the Amorites did, who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols … He walked in all the way in which his father walked and served the idols that his father served and worshiped them.
Second Kings 21:11, 21

And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon. The king’s mother, the king’s wives, his officials, and the chief men of the land he took into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon. And the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon all the men of valor, 7,000, and the craftsmen and the metal workers, 1,000, all of them strong and fit for war. And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place, and changed his name to Zedekiah. For because of the anger of the LORD it came to the point in Jerusalem and Judah that he cast them out from his presence. ¶ And Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.
Second Kings 24:15-17, 20

WHAT TASMANIAN CHRISTIANS SHOULD LEARN FROM THE LAST 15 YEARS OF HEZEKIAH

1. We Are More Inclined To Pray & Seek God When We Have a Fight On Our Hands.

2. Times of ‘Blessing & Peace’ Are Often More Dangerous Than Times of Trial.

3. ’Batons’ Should Be Passed, Not Dropped, Which Requires Intention & Training Of The Next Generation.

Your pastor,

Andrew

84 Comments

Richard BRUNNING on 2020-06-27 at 12:59 PM

Thank’s Andrew, Bless you in God’s wider sense of the word. Richard B.
Reply
- legana on 2020-06-27 at 1:03 PM
  
  Thank you Richard!
  -Andrew C.
  Reply
  - Femi Arilewola on 2022-09-25 at 2:31 AM
    
    Thank you for the indepth teaching. I am richly blessed.
    Reply
    - Tayo Yemi on 2023-02-10 at 4:45 PM
      
      This is awesome.
      It’s an eye opener message.
      Reply
      - Philip Gumbs on 2024-09-06 at 6:37 PM
        
        I am a pastor on Anguilla in the British West Indies. Your profound insight and deep convictions re the believers necessary response to the influx of evil via legislation and gates are deeply encouraging. Years ago I preached about Hezekiah as “The King Who Abused His Blessings”. May God continue to use you to boldly proclaim His truth against the dark deception that is engulfing even the very church.
      - Jenny w on 2024-09-19 at 11:57 PM
        
        Great message
      - Obulor onyedisachukwu blessing on 2024-09-24 at 4:34 AM
        
        Thanks to our God ALMIGHTY for his grace upon your life,thank you for I am bless.
      - Elizabeth Van Wyk on 2024-10-13 at 4:41 PM
        
        Its a eye opener to the church of today to be vigilant towards the slyness of the enemy to take away which is rightfully ours lm blessed by the revelations given
    - Dickson Imuti on 2024-07-22 at 3:04 AM
      
      A very teaching and touching lesson in our heart,which is reminding us to call God in prayers when we are in trouble.We cannot fight for ourselves.Again our goodnesses to God lead God hearing our plea to him.Thx alot may God bless you.
      Reply
    - Kola Sofuwa on 2024-10-13 at 6:53 AM
      
      May the Almighty God continue to bless you richly..
      I have truly been enriched and will pass same to others as we navigate the end times..
      Much thanks 🙏
      Reply
    - Atinuke Adekola on 2024-11-22 at 8:08 PM
      
      This was so helpful. Thank you Sir
      Reply
- Samuel on 2021-07-08 at 1:41 PM
  
  God bless you.this is great
  Reply
  - Joan Mattis on 2022-10-13 at 7:02 AM
    
    I truly enjoyed and was inspired by this Article.
    May God bless you Pastor.
    Reply
    - Mdumisi Ndwandwe on 2024-07-13 at 9:21 PM
      
      Wow! Very powerful sermon. May the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth bless you and increase you more and more.
      Reply
  - Jason Amodeo on 2024-04-03 at 2:29 AM
    
    I have to say that was a most insightful comment on where Hezekiah’s heart was and a sobering reminder for all of us.
    Reply
- Mimi Johnson on 2021-07-26 at 6:08 PM
  
  This was so edifying to me
  More depths in the Word sir.
  Reply
  - Nehemiah Wanyama on 2021-08-28 at 5:51 PM
    
    Thanks alot 🙏
    Reply
    - Ozie Curry on 2022-09-19 at 12:41 PM
      
      Wow! I will exercise of not doing what Hezekiah turned into, going to the Throne asking sincerely for Yahweh to create in me a clean heart and a meek and humble spirit 🙌🏿 ❤
      Reply
      - Wanga finny on 2022-10-20 at 6:39 PM
        
        Thanks alot. Infact, I have learned that , we should just allow the will of God to happen in our life. Hezekiah would have not been in such a situation if the years were not added to him.
  - Vahnu on 2021-10-21 at 7:26 PM
    
    Thanks God bless you more and more.
    Reply
    - AZT on 2022-01-27 at 7:24 AM
      
      How sure are we that the prayers was what actually added 15yrs into his life.
      Did Hezekiah die immediately after the 15yrs
      Reply
      - Ron on 2022-07-31 at 11:41 PM
        
        another side to this is sometimes the Lord has to expand the curtains in life. Perhaps Hezekiah was going to live 15 years anyway. I’ve seen people live 10 or 20 years beyond the original diagnosis
      - Ozie Curry on 2022-09-19 at 12:43 PM
        
        Sounds like you need help with your doubt.
  - Genesis on 2022-04-14 at 7:05 PM
    
    Thanks pastor Andrew for rightely dividing the word of truth and clear references in scriptures
    Reply
    - White Xolani Nowata on 2022-12-04 at 7:39 PM
      
      I’m for this information about Hezekiah, Juda and Israel
      Reply
      - Patience Kayoma on 2024-06-12 at 4:31 PM
        
        Thank you Pastor. I am blessed. I have learnt that ” The will of God is the best “
      - Jashuva Gadde on 2024-08-24 at 5:58 PM
        
        Excellent teaching Dear Pastor
    - Joas on 2023-03-16 at 10:43 PM
      
      Thank you. God bless you
      Reply
  - Festus Mutisya on 2022-11-17 at 12:38 AM
    
    Thank you. This story, and the teachings around it, has never been clearer. God bless you
    Reply
  - LORETTA Gallegos on 2024-09-18 at 10:44 PM
    
    THIS WAS AN EYE OPENER AND SO TRUE. SHOULD PUT THE FEAR OF GOD IN ALL WHO READ IT.
    Reply
- Antony Somba on 2022-04-21 at 4:22 AM
  
  Powerful insights
  Reply
  - Ozie C Curry on 2022-09-19 at 12:47 PM
    
    Sounds like there are many doubters on here who need help with their doubts and fears.
    Reply
  - Alan Choy on 2022-11-13 at 7:38 PM
    
    Very biblical. Thanks 👍 Richard
    Reply
    - Naomi Samuda on 2024-04-24 at 10:30 PM
      
      Thank you PastorLegana
      Reply
- Aderonke Tayo-Tiwo on 2022-09-29 at 12:37 PM
  
  Thank you for the eye opening truths and indepth teaching!
  Reply
- Alan Choy on 2022-11-13 at 7:37 PM
  
  Very biblical
  Reply
- Oral on 2022-12-23 at 8:45 AM
  
  Thanks a lot, Pastor Andrew.
  Reply
- JUDITH STEVENS on 2023-01-15 at 7:36 AM
  
  I was studying 1 Cor. 3:11-15 and the name of King Hezekiah popped in my mind and so I once again goin thru n I came accross your teaching, I was truly truly bless by the way you had illustrated the whole situation. My many thanks Pastor Andrew. More power to you, in Christ JESUS’ Name. Amen.
  Reply
- Glenn B. on 2023-10-08 at 12:14 AM
  
  Your arguement of Hezikiah’s pride is still sound but inference of his motive is required.
  Your admonition is perfect though.
  I was searching out “downside” of Hezikiah’s healing. . .but so deeply troubled by manasseh’s abhorrent race into sin after Hezikiah’s sweeping spiritual reforms.
  I am at least a little comforted with your position that young Manesseh’s impressionable years were polluted by Hezikiah’s spiritual slipping. It is unimaginable to think manesseh had a stellar spiritual model & then flipped to utter contempt for the Lord.
  
  Thank you for your reasoned explanation & admonition to be super careful when one’s guard is being lowered.
  Reply
  - Trinity on 2024-04-13 at 10:42 PM
    
    Excellent explanation of how the flesh of spiritually weak individuals is messed up by morbid pride and how feeble thinking individuals forget who’s in CHARGE of all in His Creation, regardless of men’s earthly positions!!!
    
    Blessings…
    
    GOD WILL ALWAYS JUDGE RIGHT
    Reply
- PAUL BOSCO NJUBO on 2023-11-09 at 7:25 PM
  
  Thanks for the transforming message, may The Lord continue expanding your ministry. May we continue to learn that we are inscribed on the palms of God’s Hands; And so our walls have to continually be set before Him. ~Isaiah 49:16
  Reply
- Pst. Joy Bai on 2023-11-17 at 9:30 PM
  
  God is greater indeed.
  Reply
- Ksheldon on 2023-12-06 at 3:57 AM
  
  Beautiful teaching!
  Thank you
  Reply
- Gift on 2024-01-26 at 2:31 AM
  
  Afternoon sir
  
  My name is agent gift from harcourts mossel bay, south Africa 🌍
  My cell phone number is 0670644425
  Is The a Way that I can call you, coZ I More information about the bad things happended in The last 15 years
  Reply
- Rose Barnhill on 2024-02-03 at 5:57 AM
  
  What a beautiful presentation on hezekiah filled with holy spirit insights.
  I am delighted and blessed in how you assembled this great story
  Reply
- Ntsoaki on 2024-07-27 at 3:12 PM
  
  This teaching is very powerful
  We need to always kill the flesh and be in the spirit because the adversary the devil he is always looking for the opportunity to come between Hod and the believers.
  
  Thank u sir
  Reply
- Heinrich Wohlgemuth on 2024-09-07 at 8:13 PM
  
  Thank your dear Pastor. I used your great comments and conclusions in Germany for a small group. Of course, I do not misuse your conclusions. I liked them very much and I simply translated them for the benefits of our small group.
  Reply
- vicki on 2024-11-23 at 12:53 AM
  
  God Bless you!
  Reply
- Miguel Freeman on 2024-12-08 at 2:33 AM
  
  So wonderfully researched and communicated! God bless you; thank you!!
  Reply
John Tessy on 2021-02-24 at 10:57 PM

Thanks ANDREW, MORE WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING.
Reply
ODABOR REBECCA on 2021-05-17 at 6:29 PM

Thanks for the eye opener Sir, what a lifetime lesson learnt from Hezekiah’s 15 years of mistakes!
Reply
- kendal Toppar on 2021-07-10 at 8:11 PM
  
  GOD BLESS YOU FOR THIS.🙏
  Reply
  - legana on 2021-07-10 at 8:18 PM
    
    Thank you Kendal!
    Reply
    - Jennifer Somuah on 2021-07-13 at 10:43 AM
      
      Kendal shared the link,and it has blessed my life👏👏God bless You
      Reply
Diane Sims on 2021-07-20 at 8:28 PM

Such a timely word for America. Thank you
Reply
Samuel Ogbobula on 2021-08-17 at 7:23 PM

Thanks so much for this insightful exposition.
Reply
Aurora Dela Cruz on 2021-09-04 at 10:15 AM

Thank you so much for a very clear explanation . So touched and inspired by God’s word. Bless you
Reply
Michael Oti Wiredu on 2021-09-10 at 9:46 AM

God bless you Pastor. You are blessed.
Reply
- Kevwe on 2022-03-30 at 11:21 PM
  
  Hmm. This scripture is scary.
  The man I want to marry said God asked him not to marry me, that there will be a looming divorce in 10 years.
  Does God hate me? Or intend that I stay married only 10 years?.
  Is there a way out?
  Reply
  - Moses on 2022-12-23 at 7:17 PM
    
    @Kevwe,
    
    God does not hate you. In fact, you are special to Him. You only need to know that He is not an author of confusion and His will is the best ever.
    
    There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Prov. 14:12
    
    God’s Ways are Not Our Ways.
    
    Isaiah 55:8-9; James 1:2-5 and Philippians 4:4-7 emphasize several truths we need to know and be reminded of.
    
    God is infinite–we are finite. He knows the end from the beginning while we see just a short part of the now. He knows the whys, while we grasp for wisdom.
    
    All we need to do is to learn how to surrender to, and do His will. And this can only be possible when we know Him, walk with Him, and commune with Him.
    
    I hope this comment is not too late!
    Reply
  - Francis on 2023-08-29 at 8:42 PM
    
    Good day my dear, According to what you said if it was true that God revealed such to him about divorce in ten years time, then pray and ask God for directions to your own husband. Because if God gives you your own husband in all situations and challenges the grace to endure and overcome will be made available.
    Reply
Moradeyo ojo ebenezer on 2021-10-25 at 12:26 AM

Thanks for the words of knowledge, more grace from holy Spirit.
Reply
Ben Adewale on 2021-11-05 at 8:50 AM

Two major lessons;
1- Isaiah 57:1
When God says it’s time, learn to respect that call.

2- Showing off your accomplishment only gets you self appraisal but is it with God’s approval?
Reply
Henry Akinniyi on 2021-11-12 at 11:41 PM

This is very powerful.
God bless you sir
Reply
Gabriel McSunny Okoye on 2021-11-15 at 4:45 PM

Where God is, our lives are like a movie that somebody has seen from the very beginning to the end. Our future is in His past.
So we should learn to always respect God’s decision at all times, knowing that He sees the end from the very beginning.
Moses made similar . mistake of not allowing God’s decision to hold, when God asked him to step aside, so that He might wipe out the incurably rebellious then generation of the Israelites, so that He would raise another through him -Moses, and he wouldn’t. And it later cost him not entering the Promised Land. Still, the whole of that generation didn’t enter it.
Thank you for the exposition sir
Reply
Hildah on 2021-12-03 at 6:53 AM

This was really helpful thanks.
Reply
Bishop Greg Stevenson on 2022-05-11 at 10:04 AM

I have been powerfully blessed with the favor of God’s presence even to the appearing of Jesus Christ on several occasions yet I was not obedient the heavenly visitation that warned me to change the service that would cause me to have an unqualified doctor adjust my back. I knew the dream was from the Lord but I didn’t take the time and resources to solve the dream and casually went to an appointment Monday morning to an osteopath in Nice, France and had my thoracic spine injured at T7 & T8 which almost paralyzed me. The Lord has been using this injury as a thorn in my flesh to keep me from being conceited about the revelations He had given me about the soon coming of for the Church on Rosh Hashanah. I said I would trust Him to take care of my back and I did for 8 months but when I had opportunity I went to a new Chiropractor and it was an affront to God. I repented but will still pay the consequences and He will take me soon and I will not be able to go on the Rapture. I have been in ministry for almost 42 years. The word of the Lord was good and I will soon be call home. I will not make the same mistake of Hezekiah. Excellent commentary. Be blessed of the Lord !!
Reply
Gary on 2022-06-14 at 12:01 AM

So if Hezekiah did die without heirs to the throne his mother would probably be queen ( like Athaliah) , He disrupted Gods perfect will and so God instead gave His permissive will
Reply
Craig on 2022-07-02 at 2:31 AM

Well spoken and you have an excellent grasp of the parallel’s to our time. God grant us to humbly walk with Him. To humble ourselves and seek Him, especially in the good times, that we may reap the consequences of that kind of life in the bad times.
Your brother-in-Christ in USA.
Reply
philomena inyang on 2022-07-13 at 4:07 PM

Thanks so much for this explanation. I have learnt a lot from this. We need to apply to the govt of today.
Reply
Elijah on 2022-08-21 at 1:05 AM

Thank you for this enriching insight.
Reply
Kobi from kenya on 2022-08-21 at 7:57 PM

When it’s God’s time it’s His time, Dear God help me understand your timing, your will and perfect plan for my life according to how God you intended it to be. I am trusting you with your timing at my place of work and the opportunities that only You can reveal to me. I am also trusting you in the journey to dating and marriage.Reveal the man you’ve intended for me at your own due time.
God bless you for this revelation
Reply
Bernice on 2022-08-26 at 2:11 PM

This was insightful! Thank you, Pastor.
Reply
Odoemelem P on 2022-09-16 at 10:31 AM

God bless you Andrew, this is so inspiring.
Reply
Joseph Emmett on 2022-09-24 at 2:26 PM

I hope you are NOT saying that Manasseh’s birth was a punishment, I have heard so many preachers parrot this BADLY CRAFTED sermon. It shows that the person parroting this has not really done the heavy lifting required to preach the word. First off David’s line had to be preserved so Manasseh’s birth had to have happened. Second Manasseh was the opposite of his father in that he was doing evil but repented. God rejoices at the one who repents. So this Manasseh bashing and watch what you pray for is a biblical non fit with Hezakiah’s prayer. Its like the silliness of those who say David was a bad father not realizing who they are talking about. David’s family problems were not because of his bad parenting so called but because of his sin with Bathsheba as god said David would always have trouble in his home because of his adultery and killing of her husband Uriah.
Reply
Vijay Swaroop Singh on 2022-11-05 at 12:46 PM

Passing the baton of faith and not dropping it – is a wonderful thought.
Reply
Piangun Dakup on 2022-11-18 at 7:47 PM

Thanks so much for this. God bless you richly Amen 🙏
Reply
JUDITH STEVENS on 2023-01-15 at 7:36 AM

I was studying 1 Cor. 3:11-15 and the name of King Hezekiah popped in my mind and so I once again goin thru n I came accross your teaching, I was truly truly bless by the way you had illustrated the whole situation. My many thanks Pastor Andrew. More power to you, in Christ JESUS’ Name. Amen.
Reply
Rinda Brannon on 2023-01-16 at 1:21 AM

This has been so helpful to me. I have pondered in my heart the question “ What am I doing with the time God has given me from when my life was spared?” I’m sure we all have had times in our lives when we were close to death in some way, (if not physically, then spiritually.) God has given us all chance after chance. I pray God gives me wisdom to use my time to honor Him, to get pride and other sin out of my life, to see when I’m not where I need to be, and to love others as I love myself. I pray that God lead me and help me to spend every waking moment to serve Him and others. Thank you for sharing His word.
Reply
Moses Sunday on 2023-09-10 at 8:43 PM

I have been draining spiritually, my stumblingly into this at a time like this is a divine direction. thank you for availing yourself for God by putting these here. God Bless You. I love you all
Reply
Laura Whitehead on 2023-11-20 at 1:03 PM

Thank you for the excellent lesson
Reply
Joshua Thumapala on 2024-06-16 at 4:29 PM

Wonderful lesson sir
Reply
Barbara Boone on 2024-12-20 at 11:58 PM

I’ve learned that there’s more to the story, and digging deeper will reveal it. Thank you for more about King Hezekiah. I realize I’m prideful too, and I submit myself to our Lord for merciful correction.
Reply
- Dr. Andrew Corbett on 2024-12-21 at 2:14 PM
  
  Thank you Barbara. I appreciate your humble feedback. May God bless you as you strive to serve Him.
  Reply

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COMMISSIONED FOR A PURPOSE

by Harry Cuthbertson | 2024-11-01 | Pastor's Desk | 0 Comments

Think about your life for a second. How important are you daily activities? What if I told you that God’s grand plan for the world isn’t just about some extraordinary few, but includes you, right where you are in the tediousness of every day life? You may have heard this sort of thing from an animated and passionate preacher: That the same God who set the stars in place has a purpose for your life that echoes into eternity… sure, that’ll preach, but what if it were actually true?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HONOUR SOMEONE’S LIFE’S WORK?

by Harry Cuthbertson | 2024-10-04 | Pastor's Desk | 4 Comments

This is the question that’s been on my mind since I stepped into the role of Senior Pastor here at Legana Christian Church. I think we all know what it looks like to deface someone’s life’s work! Back in 2022, there were 38 “Art Attacks” staged by groups like Extinction Rebellion. They went into museums and threw food, paint, and sometimes even glued themselves to significant works of art. In the midst of it all, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t thinking about how I should save the world. Rather, I couldn’t help but think: What had the artist done to deserve such disrespect? What did vandalising art have to do with fossil fuels, cutting down rainforests or large-scale mining? Maybe I missed the point, but this seemed more like childish, attention-grabbing tantrums than meaningful protests.

Looking Forward in Faith and Finishing Well

by Harry Cuthbertson | 2024-09-13 | Pastor's Desk | 6 Comments

Have you ever had one of those moments when you just know something significant is about to happen? That feeling where everything in your life has been preparing you for this moment? That sense that, through all the trials and struggles, God has been at work preparing you for ‘such a time as this’? That’s exactly how Bec and I feel as we step into this new season here at Legana Christian Church. From the moment we—Bec, the kids (Nissi, Otto, Mila and Bijou) and I—arrived, I’ve felt so welcomed by the congregation’s warmth and encouragement. The last few years have been a whirlwind for us, but already we feel like part of the family. So, before I say anything else, I’d like to say thank you to the congregation for embracing us wholeheartedly. It really means the world to our family.

WHEN JESUS SPOKE, PEOPLE DID MORE THAN LISTEN

by Andrew Corbett | 2024-09-05 | Pastor's Desk | 4 Comments

William L. Thompson was born in Ohio in 1847. He studied music as a young and was talented enough to be invited to study music in Germany. After some time in Germany, he returned to America and became a popular song-writer for famous performing artists. But Thompson also began to experience rejections from music publishers. During this difficult phase of his life he turned to Christ. He had begun reading through the Gospels with fresh zeal and discovered that the Jesus described in those Gospels was deeply caring, very tender especially with women and children and anyone who truly turned to Him. Even though he had started his own music publishing company and also a music store in Ohio, his focus and priorities had now changed.
In the 1870s there were many people in the America and the United Kingdom who were coming to Christ under the evangelistic ministry of Dwight L. Moody. Thompson was certainly aware of the great evangelist. He had moved from writing popular songs to writing hymns. He wrote a hymn that he felt was appropriate for the type of evangelistic meetings that Mr. Moody was conducted. He called it, an invitation hymn. It was designed to come after the sermon and led to what had become referred to as ‘the altar call’ where people were invited to receive Christ and become a Christian. The invitation hymn was called, Softly and Tenderly. When D.L. Moody first heard it he insisted that they begin using it in their revival meetings. In fact, it almost became known as D.L. Moody song! As the aged Mr. Moody was confined to what would be his death-bed, he called for Mr. Thompson and told him:

DUMB PRAYERS THAT I HAVE PRAYED AND GOD HAS ANSWERED OVER THE YEARS

by Andrew Corbett | 2024-08-30 | Pastor's Desk | 5 Comments

Over the past nearly 29-years of pastoring Legana I have occasionally mentioned that one day I would write about “the dumb prayers that I’ve prayed.” It’s not really that they are all ‘dumb’ prayers, it’s that they are the kind of prayers that are guaranteed to be answered by God (because they are “surrendered” prayers) but have not been fully considered what God’s answer might entail. I do not consider the more well-known and obvious “dumb” prayers – such as praying for revival to bring in hundreds of lost/lonely/broken souls into the kingdom and then being surprised by God’s answer resulting in exhaustion, burn-out, over-stretched resources, spiritual attacks, and the inevitable pride. Neither do I consider the even more obvious “dumb” prayer for patience and humility and the resultant means (difficult people and obvious trials!) by which such a prayer can only be answered. Instead, I begin with a prayer I prayed as a teenager then others that I prayed down through the years which have led me to this unexpected point. What I hope, and pray, you might discover after you have read this is something which will might benefit you in your knowledge of God and how He often answers prayers.

COMPEL THEM TO COME HOME

by Andrew Corbett | 2024-08-22 | Pastor's Desk | 0 Comments

Who is welcomed into your home especially if they are unexpected, unannounced and unknown? As Jesus travelled around Israel He often told a story which His disciples would have repeatedly heard. It was the story of a nobleman who was hosting a great banquet in his large home and had invited other nobles to be his guests. But one after another each made a weak excuse for not attending. The nobleman then told his servant to go and invite the outcasts to be his guests instead.

TRUST GOD, THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

by Kim Corbett | 2024-08-16 | Pastor's Desk | 3 Comments

The Bible is the all-time best-selling book for good reason. It is a book like no other. If you have a problem, the answer is in there -if not directly, it shows where the answer is found: God. He is the most powerful being in the world. He is able to split the sea (Ex 14:22), make hungry lions oblivious to the ‘righteous food’ in front of them (Dan 6:22), stop a storm mid-track (Luke 8:24), win un-winnable battles (such as 1Kings 20:26-30), overfill previous bare fishing nets (Luke 5:5-6), permit pregnancy in (very) old age (Gen 21:2) or even without a man (Luke 1:34-35), and, heal the sick and make demons flee (Matt 4:24). These were all answers to difficult problems. Each is a remarkable and exciting story in itself, but the repetition of such extraordinary and powerful works shows it was never just a fluke or a mere coincidence. He is a powerful God-able to make the impossible possible.

WHAT DO YOU?

by Legana Christian Church | 2024-08-08 | Pastor's Desk | 2 Comments

home > Pastor's Desk > 2024 > August 9th > What Do YouWhat do you want? What do you want to do? What do you hope to achieve? What do you long to buy? What do you wish for your community? What do you need to change? What do you aspire to learn? What do you...

Was Jesus Even A Christian

by Andrew Corbett | 2024-08-01 | Pastor's Desk | 1 Comment

AS my pastoral ministry at Legana rapidly draws to an end it is my hope that I leave a deposit in your soul that encourages you to also Love God with all your mind as well. It is my contention that with the increasing screen addiction to social media — where viewing “memes” and watching “celebrity YouTubers” — is being confused for factual information with even believers susceptible to deception. I want to offer some ways to guard what might be being allowed into your heart.

HOW DID THEY UPSET MALACHI SO MUCH?

by Andrew Corbett | 2024-07-25 | Pastor's Desk | 1 Comment

Over the past twenty-nine years of pastoring Legana, I have generally preached through biblical books verse-by-verse. These biblical books series have been interspersed with various shorter topical series (which is why it took me eight years to preach all the way through the Book of Jeremiah). As I now commence my last biblical book teaching series, through Malachi, I hope to leave a deposit in your souls about the value and authority of God’s Word and how we need to worshipfully approach it. While we all want to “cut to the chase” and “get to the point” when we approach God’s Word we must do so carefully. This takes time. “Time” is what most people complain they do not have. This is why I am doing so much background work on this often-neglected book so that you can take advantage of my time investment on your behalf. In this series so far, I have introduced the context of this book, discussed who Malachi was, explored where Malachi was, and examined who was Malachi’s immediate audience. I am now considering why Malachi was so profoundly upset and what we can learn from his passionate love for God and His Table.